Expression of measles virus nucleoprotein induces apoptosis and modulates diverse functional proteins in cultured mammalian cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Measles virus nucleoprotein (N) encapsidates the viral RNA, protects it from endonucleases and forms a virus specific template for transcription and replication. It is the most abundant protein during viral infection. Its C-terminal domain is intrinsically disordered imparting it the flexibility to interact with several cellular and viral partners.

Principal findings

In this study, we demonstrate that expression of N within mammalian cells resulted in morphological transitions, nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation and activation of Caspase 3 eventuating into apoptosis. The rapid generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was involved in the mechanism of cell death. Addition of ascorbic acid (AA) or inhibitor of caspase-3 in the extracellular medi

SUBMITTER: Bhaskar A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3077409 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature